Equipped with cutting-edge marine robotics, hyperspectral imagers and aerial drones, five University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (MOP) alumni reunited aboard the R/V Searcher in June for a 22-day expedition into Papahānaumokuākea. Their mission was to deploy advanced autonomous systems to combat an invasive macroalgae called Chondria tumulosa.

The expedition highlights the impact of UH’s 50-year-old undergraduate program, proving how MOP produces scientists, engineers and leaders who work fluently across disciplines, agencies and oceans.

“We have a unique opportunity to work with brilliant marine roboticists to develop tools to help combat one of �鶹��ý’s most mysterious and potentially devastating marine macroalgae species, Chondria tumulosa,” said Chief Scientist Keolohilani H. Lopes Jr., a MOP alumnus and UH Mānoa PhD candidate.

High-tech tools, interagency collaboration

The voyage brought together diverse expertise to monitor and protect fragile ecosystems. Three advanced marine robotic packages—equipped with computer vision cameras, a hyperspectral imager and an environmental DNA (eDNA) profiler—were provided by Matthew Dunbabin’s lab at Queensland University of Technology. Meanwhile, PhD student Anna Baker Mikkelsen of the Climate Resilience Collaborative (CRC) led aerial mapping of Sand Island at Kuaihelani (Midway) using a drone.

Shellie Habel, a coastal geologist with the CRC and , served as primary drone pilot for aerial mapping. At Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll), the team conducted aerial operations over shallow reef flats to supplement in-water surveys of macroalgae. The team also evaluated shoreline changes at Tern Island and East Island of Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) to support research led by Sara Kahanamoku and Haunani Kane at UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s (SOEST).

Decades of trust, leadership

Crucial permit compliance, field safety, and historical context were overseen by MOP alumnus Jason Leonard, Marine Operations Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. Leonard, who has visited the sanctuary for more than 25 years, credited MOP and its Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques field program with preparing exceptional marine field personnel.

UH Mānoa MOP Coordinator Jeff Kuwabara also served as expedition photographer.

“What made this expedition possible wasn’t just funding or equipment,” Kuwabara said. “It was a network of trust built over decades, by people who trained together, dove together, and learned to work across disciplines before they ever had professional titles. That network is MOP‘s quiet legacy: not a single discovery or expedition, but a generation of professionals who know how to collaborate because they were taught to from the start.”

What is the most important trait of a journalist? It’s helpful to be a strong communicator. But ask editors and newsroom leaders what professional strengths are highly valued, and the answers include tenacity, curiosity and, perhaps foremost, someone with high ethical standards who is meticulous about fact-checking.

In May 2024, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser found someone who fit the bill. Victoria Budiono, a UH Mānoa double major in and , was hired as a reporter only a year after graduation. That’s partly because the now 23-year-old alumna held multiple internships and freelance opportunities while enrolled at the .

“We couldn’t be prouder of Victoria, or more grateful to UH, for preparing one promising student after another for our annual winter and summer internships,” said Dan Nakaso, Star-Advertiser capitol bureau chief. “Victoria quickly earned a reputation as a promising, smart, curious and respectful journalist who understood the importance of double- and triple-checking facts. Now she’s a general assignment reporter covering personal tragedies, triumphs and everything in between.”

Budiono grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, and came to UH Mānoa after working on school newsletters and magazines from elementary through high school.

“I’ve always loved writing, talking to people and hearing their stories,” she said. “Through reporting, I saw how these stories could bring attention to issues that often went unnoticed, especially in Indonesia, where many topics are considered taboo, and people are often taught not to air their ‘dirty laundry.’”

Her passion for journalism grew throughout her three years at UH Mānoa and beyond through multiple learning experiences at news organizations and a nonprofit, including:

• A semester-long internship at �鶹��ý Business Magazine, during which she contributed to a “My Jobs” series on people with unusual careers. She later returned as a freelance writer, producing feature stories that earned her a Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) �鶹��ý Chapter award.
• Freelancing at Honolulu Magazine and its sister company, Frolic �鶹��ý, where she wrote articles and did social media posts for the food and lifestyle website.
• A five-month internship at the Aloha Harvest marketing/communications department, where she helped to write reports, update mailing lists and produce a newsletter for the food rescue nonprofit.
• Working at Honolulu Civil Beat through an SPJ summer internship, specializing in general reporting assignments.
• A five-month internship with the ���ٲ���-���屹����پ������’s Capitol Bureau, which transitioned into a full-time job as a general assignment reporter once the legislative session ended.

Budiono said she enjoys the eclectic nature of her work.

“Because I don’t cover a single beat, I am constantly learning about new topics and meeting people from different backgrounds,” she said. “On any given day, I might be reporting on government issues, housing, insurance, education or community events—subjects I knew very little about beforehand.”

Read more about Budiono’s journalism journey on the .

Join our University of �鶹��ý ʻohana to shop local and celebrate UH alumni small businesses at the 5th annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī on July 29, 6–9 p.m.

The signature event showcases food, drinks and products from alumni-owned and led small businesses.

and include unlimited access to food and drink stations, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise.

Presented by the UH Office of Alumni Relations, in partnership with the UH Alumni Association, a portion of proceeds will go toward benefiting student needs across the 10-campus UH system.

More information can be found at the .

Participating food and beverage vendors include:

• BeerLab Hawaii
• Bite Logic
• KCCAKESS
• Kai Vodka
• Kapa Hale
• Kapiʻolani Community College Culinary/Jason Peel
• Little Plum/Uncle Paul’s Corner Store
• Makanai
• PILI Group
• Pono Potions
• Pop Culture Artisan Pops
• Rainbow Drive-In
• Summer Club
• The Lei Stand
• The Pau Hana Co.

Participating marketplace vendors include:

• Arii Jewelry
• Art by Sachiko
• Aunty Kendra’s
• Choco Leʻa
• Churro’s Fish Market
• David Shepard �鶹��ý
• Hawaii Confectionery
• Hawaiian Pie Co.
• Huff n Puff
• Kailua Honey
• Kaululani Florals
• Mari’s Garden
• Okonokai
• Old Queen Street Stadium
• Ports + Paws
• Premier Barbershop
• Red Thread Artistry
• Sweet Enemy Clothing
• Ten Tomorrow
• Touch A Heart
• Urban Cowboy
• Wailana �鶹��ý Art
• Welo Creations

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s (JABSOM) is helping strengthen Guam’s future physician workforce by mentoring the next generation of aspiring doctors.

One of them is Eduardo Biala Jr., a recent graduate whose journey to medicine was inspired by watching family members travel off island to access specialty care.

“Seeing my family members navigate healthcare, having to go off-island to seek whatever specialty care they needed and being exposed to that is what kind of got me interested in medicine and I took a leap of faith,” Biala said.

That leap led him from the University of Guam to JABSOM through the ʻImi Hoʻōla Program. Now he mentors students on the same path through Chålan Åmte, a nonprofit founded by JABSOM students and alumni to support aspiring physicians from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Building Guam’s next healthcare generation

Current JABSOM student Mason Caldwell, Chålan Åmte’s executive director, said the organization has grown into a network of physicians, medical students and pre-medical students committed to strengthening Guam’s healthcare workforce.

“The direct translation of Chålan Åmte is ‘a pathway to healing’ and that’s one of the things that we’re trying to solidify and make sure it will continue after us,” Caldwell said.

Members mentor students through the medical school application process and regularly return home to connect with aspiring physicians.

For Caldwell, Chålan Åmte is creating the support system many of its members never had. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth or internet searches, today’s pre-medical students can connect with mentors early and receive guidance throughout the application process. He hopes Chålan Åmte will continue serving as a resource for future physicians while strengthening connections between Guam, the Marianas and JABSOM.

Biala noted that despite the physical distance, he remains deeply connected to the island and finds the work of Chålan Åmte highly rewarding.

“For me, when I hear that they got into JABSOM, I think ‘Yes! You’re going to love it there!’” he said.

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Three �鶹��ý educators, including University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (COE) alumni Kawika Gonzales and Leah Aiwohi, were named finalists in the Presidential AI Challenge for their work advancing responsible artificial intelligence (AI) education. As national finalists and winners of the regional competition, they received a monetary prize and access to web-based resources.

Empowering students through responsible AI

Along with colleague Chloe Sato, the educators were recognized in Washington, D.C., for Global Innovation Race �鶹��ý, a statewide program that teaches high school students how to use AI responsibly while addressing real-world community challenges.

Gonzales, who earned a master of education in learning design and technology and a certificate in online learning and teaching from UH Mānoa, said the program encourages students to think beyond simply using AI tools.

“Teaching our students how to use AI is no longer enough,” Gonzales said. “We also need to teach them when to use it, why to use it, and whether it should be used at all.”

Aiwohi, who earned a bachelor of education and professional diploma in elementary education from the College of Education, said her preparation at UH continues to shape her teaching decades later.

“Although I graduated from the College of Education more than 36 years ago, the lessons that have stayed with me are not tied to specific textbooks or technologies; they are the enduring principles of effective teaching,” Aiwohi said.

The program connects students across �鶹��ý to collaborate on community-based projects using design thinking and responsible AI, helping prepare the next generation of ethical technology leaders.

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For more on how Gonzales is inspiring his haumāna (students) on Molokaʻi, see this UH News story.

Whether you recognize his voice from Spectrum Sports broadcasts, his face from local television newscasts, or his name from the award-winning production company RKT Media, Ryan Kalei Tsuji seems to be everywhere. But before he was an Emmy-winning CEO, a protocol officer for the governor, or the owner of a booming cocktail bar, Tsuji’s dynamic journey began at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa.

Growing up as a sports fan in Hilo, Tsuji wanted to be a TV reporter and always dreamed of attending UH. Driven by this passion, he earned bachelor’s degrees in communications and political science in 2007, followed by a master’s degree in public administration in 2009. During his time at UH Mānoa, he also worked his way up from a manager to an assistant coach for the nationally ranked Rainbow Wahine volleyball team under legendary coach Dave Shoji.

“I was like Van Wilder, I was at UH for eight years getting all these different degrees because UH was paying for it,” said Tsuji. “It was an opportunity for me to just really be a part of the University of �鶹��ý system and I just loved my experience and time there.”

Tsuji parlayed his education into a multi-faceted career. He launched the video production company RKT Media in 2016, co-hosts the interactive program Spotlight Now, and has been recognized with multiple honors, including being named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40. In 2022, he opened The Lei Stand, a bar and lounge, in Chinatown. Now located in Waikīkī, The Lei Stand will be expanding to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Celebrating alumni entrepreneurship

The Lei Stand is one of nearly 40 vendors confirmed for the 5th Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market on Wednesday, July 29, at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The event is dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-led businesses. .

“It’s a great way to reconnect with former alumni, but also an opportunity to just really be proud of where we came from and all the talent that stayed here in �鶹��ý and is giving back to the community,” Tsuji said.

Presented by the UH Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the UH Alumni Association, a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current UH student needs statewide. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email .

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is recent UH Mānoa journalism graduate Josslyn Rose’s first KHON2 weekend weather report.

Previous Images
Monk seals
Chainsaw ice
Dundee under a Kīlauea sun
Championship trophy tour
Time flies
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

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Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

Windward Community College gave artist Shar Tuiʻasoa a foundation, offering the accessibility and community support, which helped her define her path as a world-class illustrator. For Tuiʻasoa, of Punky Aloha Studio, Windward CC was more than just a school—it felt like a second home or “warm blanket.”

The college was also a hub of creativity that proved pivotal in her artistic journey. Since earning her art certificate in 2024, she has created vibrant work for global giants including Apple, Disney, Pixar and more.

“Community college gave me a place to land. It was a chance for me to try a few different things without having to fully commit, and really learning to enjoy that part of academia,” Tuiʻasoa said. “Having college outreach and the professors on campus really being involved and encouraging us, that was something I just wasn’t used to.”

The foundation formed at Windward CC continues to fuel her professional work, as she practices with her paints, exploring color theory.

“All of that really stems from that deeper understanding that Professor Snowden Hodges gave to us that he really instilled in us,” she said. “You’re surrounded by other people who are creative, like-minded people, and we kind of just gathered together and made a family.”

5th annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market

In 2026 Tuiʻasoa is bringing that connection to the 5th Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market—an event dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-owned and -led businesses. Her design features the official colors of all 10 campuses and aims to capture a sense of place and of home.

“I’m so proud to have gone to Windward CC to be a part of the UH system. Just being able to continue being a part of that family, being in community with fellow alum, it just feels like a very full circle moment,” Tuiʻasoa said.

The 5th Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market is set for Wednesday, July 29 at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī. , and include unlimited access to food and drink stations, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise.

Presented by the UH Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the UH Alumni Association, a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current UH student needs statewide. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email contact@uhalumni.org.

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instructor Ian Kekaimalu Isami Lee has sailed far and wide aboard the vessel Hōkūleʻa. Now, the and alumnus uses the experiences gained on open waters in his class on the basic principles and theories of modern non-instrument navigation, the same navigation used on the Hōkūleʻa.

“It brings a lot of context for my students because when we talk about things or when I try to explain things to them,” Lee said. “I tell them stories of things that I have personally experienced. That brings it to life for them, and it makes it easier for them to understand the concepts.”

After graduating from Leeward CC with an associate’s degree in liberal arts in 2011, Lee enrolled at UH Mānoa. In 2014 Lee sailed from Samoa to Aotearoa and in 2017 from Tahiti to �鶹��ý aboard Hōkūleʻa.

His master’s thesis revolved around voyaging and canoe culture. The journeys were instrumental in his growth as a person and navigator, allowing him to share experiences with his ancestors who crossed the sea thousands of years prior. Lee earned bachelor’s (2014) and masterʻs (2017) degrees in Hawaiian studies.

Community on campus

It was not always smooth sailing. After spending his first semester skipping classes, Lee says he found community at Leeward CC. This inspired him to engage more in his studies and take advantage of free tutoring and other support.

“I just found myself having a blast and learning along the way,” said Lee. “It was the community that I surrounded myself with. We had the program Hālau ʻIke O Puʻuloa, which is now known as Kīpuka, Native Hawaiian Student Services. There were so many people who created a very comfortable environment. That made me not want to leave.”

Lee remembers being greeted with a smile and treated with aloha on campus, which felt like a home away from home. Now, he tries to encourage his students to build community.

“My students do their course in groups, they do everything as a group,” Lee said. “I try to shift their thinking to a broader, global thinking that all of our actions are interconnected and affect each other. If we all thought that way, I think this world would be a much better place.”

Watching his grandson Marco shag balls at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex football field, Mark Robison looks beyond the game to envision a future. During a recent walk around the Mānoa campus he asked Marco where he might want to go to college. The sixth grader quickly replied, “probably UH.”

That simple answer reframed something for Robison. Inspired by Marco—and by granddaughter Bianca, a dedicated ʻIolani volleyball player—he began supporting UH women’s volleyball and athletics more broadly.

“This is my way of showing up for Bianca and acknowledging the sport that she is so dedicated to,” he said.

Even as he looks toward the future, Robison’s heart remains tethered to a gritty, golden era of UH football that began with an unexpected phone call decades ago.

From West Point to Waiʻanae

Growing up in a low-income household in Washington state, Robison had his life mapped out for him by his father: attend West Point, serve four years and land a job on Wall Street.

UH defensive coordinator Larry Price had a different plan.

To this day, Robison has “no idea how he found him,” but Price’s recruitment pitch worked. Robison turned down West Point to play for the then UH ‘Bows, a decision that upset his father so much he refused to speak to him for a year.

“He was one of those working-class guys who always wanted better for his kids,” Robison said. “He was firm and stubborn in what he thought was best for me.”

Robison arrived in the islands as an outsider in 1973, but he didn’t stay one for long—especially since his mother was born on a plantation in Lahaina. The weekend before classes even began, some local teammates invited him to a three-day wedding party in Waiʻanae. Robison recalls the reception vividly, specifically the “aunties” who didn’t hold back.

“You’re a football player?” Robison recalled. “You must be the punter because you look like one skinny kid.”

Hard Lessons, Lasting Loyalty

Robison credits much of his later success to his time under coaches Larry Price and Rick Blangiardi. Practices were intense, and Blangiardi was known to deliver high-decibel commands on the line of scrimmage. While the practices were grueling, Robison remains grateful for that level of pressure.

“They taught me about loyalty, commitment, hard work, perseverance and discipline,” he said.

Today, Robison is a “true believer” that UH football can compete at the top level. However, he acknowledges the landscape has shifted from the olden days. He points to the challenges of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era, noting that it takes strategy to keep key players—such as a quarterback or wide receiver—from transferring to schools raising millions in NIL funds. To support UH‘s NIL program, Robison recently contributed $270K.

“It’s an honor to be a ‘Bow,” Robison said, “and my continued support is give from the heart.”

Read more at the .

—By Simplicio Paragas

Before launching her local clothing and accessory brand, , Hilo native Tania Takashiba made the decision to continue her education at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa. She spent several years studying on the U.S. continent before attending the Shidler College of Business, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2002.

A member of the business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, Takshiba said her time at Shidler played a pivotal role in shaping her professional network and lasting friendships.

“I think graduating from ”UH Mānoa was the perfect transition into adulthood,” said Takashiba. “[I] did internships, I was able to get a job pretty easily, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I met.”

Those connections continue to play a role in her life today. Takashiba stays in touch with several friends from her Shidler years, including one who serves as her financial advisor.

Building a local business

Takashiba started MaruMaru Hawaii with her sister in 2015. She said it was hard to find local brands that offered clothes for kids, so they decided to create their own. The brand has taken off, and Takashiba has run into people at the airport and on vacation wearing her clothes.

“Our designs are super simple, but I think because they’re based on real things, it resonates with a lot of people,” said Takashiba.

Popular designs such as “Hilo Das Why” and “Hilo Love” reflect the brand’s commitment to represent Hilo and its people.

Rooted in Hilo

Despite the brand’s popularity, Takashiba has intentionally chosen to keep MaruMaru Hawaii rooted on the Big Island. She said she does not plan to expand through pop-ups on Oʻahu or other islands, even when opportunities arise.

“I think there’s something to be said about being able to give Hilo people something first,” said Takashiba. “There’s nothing like Hilo; it’s very special. The community here is amazing, you’re connected to everybody, and it’s just Hilo das why.”

For nearly 20 years, Rachel Hualani Loo has graced the Merrie Monarch stage on ��ōʻ����� night as an ʻō�����貹, or dancer, with Hālau o Kekuhi. This year, she returned to the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in a profoundly different role: as the 2026 ��ōʻī Wahine (Queen) of the Merrie Monarch Royal Court.

A University of �鶹��ý at Hilo alumna and the director of the , Loo has spent over a decade supporting Hawaiian students on their educational journeys. But when the Merrie Monarch Festival committee asked her to serve in this role, the weight of carrying this kuleana (responsibility) for her community felt different.

“Just to be included in all of this—not just the honor on an individual and personal level, but the real honor is continuing to be part of this community in a different capacity,” Loo expressed.

One of the most special things about being in Hilo during Merrie Monarch week is the opportunity to witness the community’s hospitality and ability to hoʻokipa, to host. Whether welcoming family, friends, or hālau hula, Hilo’s community shows up year after year to graciously welcome everyone. Growing up in Hilo and being part of the Merrie Monarch in different capacities has shaped Loo’s own commitment to this practice.

What the Merrie Monarch Festival and its stage represent isn’t lost on her. Loo recalled the words of her Kumu Hula Nālani Kanakaʻole Zane, whose legacy continues to permeate the festival: “She would remind us that this is the biggest stage for hula: an opportunity to share our language, culture, and dance in excellence. It’s an example of Hawaiian excellence at its highest level.”

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A Leeward Community College alumna who goes by Sasha is reconnecting with her roots through art, and shared a personal body of work at Cafe in April.

Sasha, who earned an associate in arts in liberal arts with a focus on art and art history in 2017, said her time at Leeward CC helped shape both her creative direction and career. From hands-on class projects to a study abroad trip in France, she was exposed to different perspectives that continue to influence her work today.

“Through attending Leeward, doing many different projects in art classes, going on a study abroad trip to France with my classmates, I had so many opportunities to see and feel culture and art,” Sasha said. “Everything I learned has turned into my skill and profession.”

After graduating, Sasha went straight into the workforce and now balances several roles, including work as a TV personality and collaborations with travel media focused on Japan. She also promotes �鶹��ý-based small businesses and continues to build her presence as an artist. Her Instagram account , which has nearly 38,000 followers, shares a mix of her artwork, travel experiences and everyday life in �鶹��ý, connecting with a local audience as well as those interested in island culture.

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Her art exhibit, centered on the theme mālama ʻ�徱�Բ� (caring for the land), drew from her upbringing and her growing understanding of �鶹��ý’s history and values.

“This really reflects the perspective and environment I grew up in,” she said. “The process of myself growing up and learning the history of �鶹��ý… came from my childhood and attending Leeward.”

Sasha also credited her professors and early opportunities at Leeward CC—such as painting murals in the campus theater—with giving her the foundation to take on larger creative projects.

“I hope my art can inspire people in many different ways of thinking about how important mālama ʻ�徱�Բ� is,” she said, “and your education can definitely benefit you in the future.”

Now in its sixth decade, the Merrie Monarch Festival draws visitors from across the state and beyond, celebrating Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and artistry. The influx of visitors also supports independent marketplaces throughout Hilo, where local businesses can showcase their work.

Two University of �鶹��ý alumni—Summer Shiigi of Ten Tomorrow and Lana Gronwald of Jules and Gem Hawaii—are vendors at the Mākeke Naniloa marketplace at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, returning to �鶹��ý Island after participating together last year.

Shiigi, a former UH Mānoa psychology student, runs and designs the resort women’s clothing brand Ten Tomorrow.

“My family is from Hilo, so being able to go and visit for work is really special to me,” said Shiigi. “It’s an exciting time. It feels very meaningful and deep and cultural.”

Gronwald, the owner and founder of Jules and Gem Hawaii, a luxury fragrance brand, graduated from UH Mānoa in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“Merrie Monarch is a special time. It’s beautiful to see all the different artists that come out and all those small businesses that are truly local who come from here and have roots in �鶹��ý,” said Gronwald.

Supporting local businesses

Both businesses make their products in �鶹��ý. With customers and businesses converging in Hilo, both women are appreciative of the opportunities it presents.

“The dollars being spent all with local companies is something really beautiful,” said Shiigi. “Being able to have that hard earned dollar spent in a local community and turning it back into someone who’s based here, who has local employees, who might even make things here, I think that’s really important.”

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa ’ (TIM School) hosted its 24th annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on March 31 at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. As the largest fundraiser in support of TIM School student scholarships, the event raised more than $361,000 through the generous support of �鶹��ý’s hospitality and business community.

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as the TIM School celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, honoring six decades of preparing leaders who shape �鶹��ý’s visitor industry and the global travel economy.

“As we celebrate 60 years of the TIM School, this event reflects the strong partnership between our students and the industry they will soon lead,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “The continued support from our community ensures that future graduates are equipped to advance a visitor industry that is innovative, responsible and grounded in �鶹��ý’s culture and values.”

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding and lasting contributions to �鶹��ý’s visitor industry.

At the March 31 gala, the 2026 Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Elliot Mills (BBA ’93), CEO and managing partner of �鶹��ý Hospitality Group. Mills was honored for his leadership and long-standing commitment to operational excellence, workforce development and strengthening �鶹��ý’s hospitality sector.

Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS ’01), managing director of Kahuku Farms, was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. A proud TIM alumna, Matsuda-Lum has helped transform her family’s agricultural enterprise into a successful agritourism destination that connects visitors with local agriculture, sustainability and community.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to ClimbHI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students explore career pathways and successfully transition from high school into post-secondary education and the workforce. Through industry partnerships and career readiness programs, ClimbHI plays a vital role in strengthening �鶹��ý’s future workforce.

The 2026 presenting sponsors were Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Bank of Hawaii. Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools and Marriott International served as contributing sponsors, and Daniel K. Hilton was a platinum sponsor. �鶹��ý Business Magazine again returned as the media partner.

Support from sponsors, donors and community partners helps provide critical scholarship funding for students preparing for careers in hospitality, tourism and transportation. Since reunification with Shidler College in 2019, the school has:

• Introduced more than $1.5 million in new student scholarships
• Nearly doubled the size of the faculty
• Created six new faculty endowed fellowships and professorships
• Rising global and national rankings
• Increased undergraduate enrollment by 4.5% from 2024 to 2025
• Awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships during the 2025–26 academic year
• Enabled more than 90% of graduates to find employment or pursue graduate study within three months of graduation
• Established the TIM PhD program

To support the TIM School or Shidler College of Business, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org. .

Larry Price, a celebrated University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa scholar-athlete, coach and longtime supporter of the university, is remembered for a life that bridged athletics, education and service to the community. Price died March 27, at the age of 91.

Price distinguished himself as a leader on the football field at UH Mānoa, becoming the only player in program history to be elected team captain three consecutive years from 1962 to 1964. He later earned recognition as one of the greatest players in school history, including selection to the program’s all-time team and designation as “Rainbow of the Decade” for the 1960s. He also played in three Hula Bowl games and signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams.

Price’s impact at UH extended well beyond his playing days. After earning his bachelor’s degree in recreation leadership in 1967 and a master’s degree in educational administration in 1971 from the UH Mānoa College of Education, he returned to campus to mentor the next generation. He served as head men’s volleyball coach from 1969 to 1972, resident manager of the athletic dormitory and later head football coach from 1974 to 1976. During his tenure as head coach, UH became an NCAA Division I member, changed its nickname to the Rainbow Warriors, introduced the “Hula-T” formation, and on September 13, 1975, christened the newly-built 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium against Texas A&I.

“I’ve considered all of the people I went to school with my friends forever,” Price said in a . “The faculty took particularly good care of me,” he added, specifically pointing to his “favorite faculty member,” Harold St. John, from whom he took a botany course.

In the classroom and across campus, Price was equally dedicated. He went on to earn a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford University, while also serving as an assistant professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu. At UH, he later led the Small Business Management Program, continuing his commitment to education and professional development.

His legacy includes a lasting connection to the broader �鶹��ý community. Price built a distinguished career in media, joining KSSK Radio and becoming a familiar voice to generations of listeners. As a television journalist with KITV4, he earned national recognition for his documentary work. Price was also known for his sports commentary and his signature “katoosh!” call.

Throughout his life, Price remained closely tied to UH. He was a , and 1989 UH Distinguished Alumni Award honoree. Price was also a life member of the UH Alumni Association with the UH Mānoa Letterwinners Club and College of Education Alumni Association.

—By Marc Arakaki

The University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents approved awarding an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Walter A. Dods Jr., recognizing his decades of leadership in �鶹��ý’s business community, his extensive philanthropic impact and his longstanding commitment to the university.

The regents voted at the board’s March 19 monthly meeting, held at Leeward Community College. The honorary degree will be formally conferred during the UH Mānoa’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony, where Dods will also serve as commencement speaker.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to the University of �鶹��ý and the regents for this recognition,” said Dods after the vote. “UH has played an important role in my life, and it has been a privilege to support the university and its students over the years. I share this honor with the many people who have inspired me and worked alongside me to strengthen our community.”

Alumnus, business leader, philanthropist

A 1967 graduate of UH Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business, Dods is widely regarded as one of �鶹��ý’s most influential business leaders. Over a 36-year career at First Hawaiian Bank, he rose from an entry-level role to chairman and CEO.

“Walter Dods represents the very best of what the University of �鶹��ý hopes to inspire in its graduates: leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to community,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “His impact on �鶹��ý’s economic development is profound, but equally important is his lifelong dedication to giving back and creating opportunities for others. He has opened doors for generations of students and strengthened this university in lasting ways.”

Deep UH support

His ties to UH span nearly five decades. Dods has been a donor since 1975 and previously served as president of the UH Foundation Board of Trustees. He chaired the university’s 1998 Campaign for �鶹��ý, which raised $116 million, and currently serves as campaign chair for the ongoing $1-billion “For UH, For �鶹��ý” fundraising effort.

His personal philanthropy includes a $5-million gift to support student innovation and entrepreneurship at UH Mānoa, resulting in the naming of the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center, as well as a $1-million endowed scholarship supporting immigrant students and their children.

Dods has previously been recognized with the UH Distinguished Alumni Award and the Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor Award.

The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship. Regents cited Dods’ extraordinary career and enduring commitment to the university and the state as meeting and exceeding those standards.

When Lyra Pascual—a 2017 graduate of the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa and senior accountant at Nakupuna Companies—volunteered at the Ironman World Championship in 2024, an idea took root. Watching athletes cross the finish line, she wondered if she could do the same. There was a small problem—she didn’t know how to swim.

“Maybe some day,” she told herself.

Fast forward to a few months later when Pascual was talking with a friend and telling him that she wanted to learn to swim. He mentioned they should sign up for the Ironman together and she said, “if you do, I will.” And with that encouragement, they both signed up for their first race.

Pascual enlisted the help of Shidler college’s Director of Internship and Career Development Rick Varley and joined his TripleFit triathlon group. Varley has been an endurance coach for more than 25 years, his experience shaped by his own background as a collegiate sprinter. He was the first person to encourage her to get in the water.

“We didn’t work on strokes at first,” Varley said. “We just worked on breathing.”

Read about how Pascual overcame multiple challenges to cross her first finish line on pages 24–25 of the .

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa Shidler College of Business Alumni Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, hosted its 26th Annual Executive Vineyards fundraiser on March 5, 2026, at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. The signature event raised more than $70,000 in support of the association’s mission to strengthen alumni engagement, advance student programming, provide scholarships and elevate the Shidler College of Business locally and globally.

This year’s gathering was especially meaningful, as it marked Dean Vance Roley’s final Executive Vineyards event in his role as dean, concluding more than two decades of leadership at the helm of the college.

Executive Vineyards remains the association’s premier fundraising event, bringing together alumni, �鶹��ý businesses, faculty, students and friends of the college for an evening of philanthropy and connection.

“As I reflect on more than two decades of service as dean, what resonates most deeply is the extraordinary commitment of our alumni and business community,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “Executive Vineyards embodies the spirit of generosity and shared purpose. Year after year, the community’s support strengthens Shidler’s impact across �鶹��ý and around the world.”

The gathering attracted approximately 600 guests, who enjoyed an array of hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, sampled a curated selection of wines and spirits, and networked against the backdrop of Diamond Head and Waikīkī Beach. Local newscaster Kelly Simek emceed the event. Guests also participated in a popular lucky draw and placed bids through an extensive online auction.

“We are proud to carry forward a tradition that not only raises critical support for students, but also strengthens the bonds within our Shidler ʻohana,” said Director of Strategic Growth, Maui Economic Development Board and event co-chair Yosef Onodera.

“Executive Vineyards continues to bring together generations of Shidler alumni and supporters who are united to invest in the college’s future,” added Adina Wakayama, accounting manager, Par Hawaii Inc. and event co-chair.

Spirits and wine were generously donated by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Hawaii and Beverage Marketing & More. This year’s diamond sponsor was Par Hawaii; Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, and The Shidler Group served as platinum sponsors; Pacific Business News returned as media sponsor.